1. In the nature of something though not readily apparent
   "an underlying meaning";
   - implicit in, inherent
    
2. Located beneath or below
   "The underlying bedrock provided a solid foundation for the skyscraper"
    
3. Being or involving basic facts or principles
   "underlying principles";
   - fundamental, rudimentary

1. Be or form the base for
   "A strong foundation underlies the entire structure"
    
2. Lie underneath
   "A layer of bedrock underlies the entire region"

See also: basic, foundational, implicit, inexplicit, subjacent

Type of: be, exist, lie

Encyclopedia: Underlying